Le Mans 2025: Disappointment for Buemi After Promising Run Ends in Mechanical Setback

GR010 HYBRID #8 drops out of contention despite strong pace and leading stints

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing leaves the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans with a sense of frustration. Despite a strong team effort and solid race strategy, the #8 GR010 HYBRID – driven by Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa – saw its podium hopes dashed by a mechanical issue in the final hours of the race.

Starting 10th on the grid after Buemi suffered a puncture in the Hyperpole session, the #8 quickly climbed into the top six. Buemi delivered an assertive opening stint, overtaking several rivals and maintaining competitive pace. Through the night, the team briefly led the race, taking advantage of a safety car period with an aggressive strategy. Thanks to Buemi’s pace on soft tyres and efficient pit work, the #8 remained in contention after 16 hours.

But just as the trio appeared set for a top-five finish, disaster struck. A broken component caused the front-left wheel to detach, forcing an emergency return to the pits. The repair cost over 20 minutes and seven laps, effectively ending the team’s challenge. The #8 eventually crossed the line in 16th place.

“It’s clearly a disappointing result. We were hoping for much more, but reliability let us down. We stayed consistent, avoided penalties, and were still in the fight before the issue. We’ll regroup and analyse everything to come back stronger next time,” Buemi said at the finish.

This result marks a setback in the championship chase for the #8 crew. Their next opportunity to bounce back will come at the 6 Hours of São Paulo on July 13, where TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will look to regain momentum against increasingly fierce competition.